The Gustave Doré constellation. A journey through 19th-century illustrated publishing
Galerie Heitz, Palais Rohan
Gustave Doré was one of the main contributors to 19th century illustrated publishing, exhaustively renewing its genres and practices. Associated with the most important publishers and engravers, not only did he design books of great daring, with ambitious formats and subjects, but he occupied a central role in the publishing processes of the time and lastingly attached his name to the literary heritage of Rabelais, Perrault, La Fontaine, Ariosto, Dante, the Bible, Tennyson, Milton and Poe.
The exhibition invites you to explore this artist's multiple graphic universe as he draws on sources of popular legends, sylvan landscapes and the architectural environment of his Alsatian childhood. It is a world shot through with notes of the marvellous and the fantastical, a taste for the picturesque and stories of adventure, a keen sense of humour and a gift for storytelling.
This exhibition is being produced in collaboration with the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and benefits from the exceptional support of the Eurométropole de Strasbourg.
As part of: Strasbourg Capitale Mondiale du Livre UNESCO 2024 and: the Strasbourg « Rencontres de l’Illustration.
Gustave Doré was one of the main contributors to 19th century illustrated publishing, exhaustively renewing its genres and practices. Associated with the most important publishers and engravers, not only did he design books of great daring, with ambitious formats and subjects, but he occupied a central role in the publishing processes of the time and lastingly attached his name to the literary heritage of Rabelais, Perrault, La Fontaine, Ariosto, Dante, the Bible, Tennyson, Milton and Poe.
The exhibition invites you to explore this artist's multiple graphic universe as he draws on sources of popular legends, sylvan landscapes and the architectural environment of his Alsatian childhood. It is a world shot through with notes of the marvellous and the fantastical, a taste for the picturesque and stories of adventure, a keen sense of humour and a gift for storytelling.
This exhibition is being produced in collaboration with the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and benefits from the exceptional support of the Eurométropole de Strasbourg.
As part of: Strasbourg Capitale Mondiale du Livre UNESCO 2024 and: the Strasbourg « Rencontres de l’Illustration.
The project reveals, or recalls, the artist's most celebrated works, places them in the context of 19th century publishing, highlights their sources and references and evaluates their role in renewing the publishing tradition. In particular it raises comparisons with the works of Grandville, Rodolphe Töpffer, Tony Johannot and Nadar, as well as John Flaxman and John Martin.
At the same time the exhibition sheds light on the processes of book manufacturing and marketing in their different stages, from preparatory drawings to completed publications. It shows us how Doré found his place in this complex editorial landscape, and how he transformed it.
Exhibition Curator: Franck Knoery, Curator, Strasbourg Museums Library
At the same time the exhibition sheds light on the processes of book manufacturing and marketing in their different stages, from preparatory drawings to completed publications. It shows us how Doré found his place in this complex editorial landscape, and how he transformed it.
Exhibition Curator: Franck Knoery, Curator, Strasbourg Museums Library
This exhibition is available in
French
Museum details
Address
2 place du Château
(Palais Rohan)
67000
Strasbourg
+33 3 68 98 50 00
Opening hours
